Leading Actress

Wicked (2025.6, Wicked , Good Fun)

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The movie Wicked focuses on character development, particularly the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, rather than delving deeply into complex themes like the nature of evil. While the film’s story and tone are heavily influenced by the Broadway musical and original novel, the director, Jon M. Chu, effectively brings the characters and musical numbers to life. The first part of the movie leaves viewers with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the second part due out in November.

The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)

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The Substance critiques Hollywood’s age and sex discrimination, highlighting the industry’s preference for young, attractive women. There is a way out of that problem, but it may take a bit more time. The film, through its exaggerated and absurd tone, effectively conveys the pressures women face to maintain their appearance, ultimately concluding in an excessive and disgusting display of blood and gore.

Anora (2025.3, Full-On Sex , Very Good )

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Initially unimpressed with Sean Baker’s “Florida Project,” I find myself appreciating, even liking “Anora.” While the explicit content and language may deter some viewers, the film’s skillful tonal shifts and open-ended conclusion make it worth considering. Set in a marginal world, it deals with universal themes.

Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )

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Emilia Perez, a controversial film, received Oscar nominations for its unique story, music, and performances. However, its portrayal of Mexican culture, including the use of non-Mexican Spanish and insensitive themes, sparked outrage and led to its downfall. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, is criticized for his lack of cultural understanding and respect.

2025 Oscar Movies: My Predictions

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For each category I present my best guess for which 2025 Oscar movie will win with an explanation of my reasoning.

2025 Oscar General Interest: Ratings and Rankings

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A look at the 2025 Oscar General Interest movies as rated and ranked by the viewing public and by critics.

Poor Things (2024.10, Beautiful , Sex )

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Poor Things, the story of a baby’s mind in an adult woman’s body, is probably the most bizarre movie I’ve ever seen. It is also one of the best. (5*)

Anatomy of a Fall (2024.5, Puzzling , Murder ?)

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An accident? A suicide? Or was it murder? Anatomy of a Fall will keep you oscillating between the possibilities even past the end. (4*)

Nyad (2024.3, Disappointing , Tank )

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Despite great acting by Bening and Foster, Nyad fails to develop sympathetic characters and an interesting story. (3*)

Maestro (2024.2, Powerful , Solid )

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Maestro is a well told story of a romance between two individuals over decades and how it developed in the shadow of fame. (4.5*)

Killers of the Flower Moon (2024.1, Exceptional, Murder )

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Killers of the Flower Moon is an exceptional and powerful movie about the Osage Native American murders of the 1920s, but it’s just too long! (4*)

To Leslie – Woozy / Boozy / Mediocre (3*)

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To Leslie showcases a terrific performance by Andrea Riseborough. Unfortunately, its treatment of addiction and substance abuse does not rise to her performance level. (3*)

Blonde – Long Sexy with Hidden Truths (3.5*)

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Blonde is not a biography of Marilyn Monroe, although she is the central character. This is, instead, an unusually forceful exploration of how difficult it is for women to fuse their public and private personas. It is also an indictment of Hollywood, and of men generally. (3.5*)

The Fabelmans – A Case Study in Creative Success (4*)

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The Fabelmans is a well crafted movie focusing on the roots of Steven Spielberg’s remarkably successful career. Still, it might not be for everyone. (4*)

Tar – A Unique Reward for Patience and Concentration (5*)

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Tar is movie requiring much patience and concentration, but the rewards are unique. About a female who achieves the top position in the classical music world and then falls, it is also about power, individualism, and, yes, cancel culture. My first (5*) movie of the year.

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Deep and Insane Look at the Multiverse (4.5*)

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Everything Everywhere All at Once is an insane look at one woman’s romp through the multiverse as she learns what is really important about life. (4.5*)